Drag vs. Resistance — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 8, 2024
Drag is a force opposing an object's motion through a fluid, including air and water, while resistance encompasses broader opposition to motion, including electrical and mechanical forms.
Difference Between Drag and Resistance
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Drag is a specific type of resistance that objects face when moving through a fluid, such as air or water. It is caused by the difference in velocity between the object and the fluid, leading to various forces including friction and pressure differences. Whereas resistance is a more general term that can refer to any force that opposes motion, not limited to fluids. This includes electrical resistance, which opposes the flow of electrical current, and mechanical resistance, which can be encountered in solids.
While drag is primarily influenced by factors such as the object's speed, the fluid's density, and the object's surface area and shape, resistance can be influenced by a wider range of factors depending on its context. For example, electrical resistance is affected by the material's properties, its temperature, and its dimensions, whereas mechanical resistance depends on factors like friction, material deformation, and surface contact.
Drag is a critical consideration in the design of vehicles and structures that move through fluids, such as cars, airplanes, and ships, to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. On the other hand, resistance is a broader concept that is considered in a wide range of fields, from electrical engineering to mechanical design, to optimize performance and ensure the desired operation of devices and systems.
In terms of measurement, drag is typically quantified using the drag coefficient, which is a dimensionless number describing the drag force relative to fluid density, flow velocity, and a reference area. In contrast, resistance can be measured in various units depending on its type, such as ohms for electrical resistance, and newtons for mechanical resistance.
Understanding drag is crucial for optimizing the performance and efficiency of objects moving through fluids by minimizing energy loss due to friction and pressure differences. Resistance, however, plays a pivotal role in a wide array of applications, from controlling the flow of electricity in circuits to determining the strength and durability of materials under stress.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Force opposing motion through a fluid
General opposition to motion or flow
Influencing Factors
Fluid density, object's velocity, shape
Material properties, temperature, shape
Measurement Units
Drag coefficient (dimensionless)
Ohms (electrical), Newtons (mechanical)
Primary Application
Aerodynamics, hydrodynamics
Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering
Examples
Air resistance on airplanes, water resistance on boats
Electrical resistance in circuits, friction in mechanical systems
Compare with Definitions
Drag
Air resistance affecting an airplane's flight efficiency.
Aerodynamic designs reduce drag to improve fuel efficiency.
Resistance
Material's deformation resistance under stress.
Steel has high resistance to deformation, making it ideal for construction.
Drag
Water resistance slowing down a boat's speed.
Streamlined shapes are used in boat design to minimize water drag.
Resistance
Thermal resistance in insulating materials.
Insulation materials with high thermal resistance are used to retain heat.
Drag
How fluid density affects drag.
Objects move more easily through less dense air at higher altitudes, reducing drag.
Resistance
Opposition to the flow of electrical current.
Resistors are used to control current flow in electronic circuits.
Drag
The effect of shape on an object's movement through fluid.
Spherical objects experience less drag than cube-shaped ones.
Resistance
Resistance in biological systems to antibiotics.
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to increased bacterial resistance.
Drag
The impact of velocity on drag force.
Doubling an object’s speed can significantly increase the drag force it experiences.
Resistance
Frictional force opposing motion between solid surfaces.
Lubrication is applied to reduce mechanical resistance in engines.
Drag
Pull (someone or something) along forcefully, roughly, or with difficulty
We dragged the boat up the beach
Resistance
The refusal to accept or comply with something
They displayed a narrow-minded resistance to change
Drag
(of time) pass slowly and tediously
The day dragged—eventually it was time for bed
Resistance
The ability not to be affected by something, especially adversely
Some of us have a lower resistance to cold than others
Drag
The action of pulling something forcefully or with difficulty
The drag of the current
Resistance
The impeding or stopping effect exerted by one material thing on another
Air resistance was reduced by streamlining
Drag
A boring or tiresome person or thing
Working nine to five can be a drag
Resistance
The degree to which a substance or device opposes the passage of an electric current, causing energy dissipation. By Ohm's law resistance (measured in ohms) is equal to the voltage divided by the current.
Drag
An act of inhaling smoke from a cigarette
He took a long drag on his cigarette
Resistance
The act or an instance of resisting or the capacity to resist.
Drag
A street or road
The main drag is wide but there are few vehicles
Resistance
A force that tends to oppose or retard motion.
Drag
A thing that is pulled along the ground or through water.
Resistance
Often Resistance An underground organization engaged in a struggle for national liberation in a country under military or totalitarian occupation.
Drag
A strong-smelling lure drawn before hounds as a substitute for a fox.
Resistance
(Psychology) A process in which the ego opposes the conscious recall of anxiety-producing experiences.
Drag
Influence over other people
They had the education but they didn't have the drag
Resistance
Ability (of an organism, tissue, or cell) to withstand a destructive agent or condition such as a chemical compound, a disease agent, or an environmental stressor
Antibiotic resistance.
Resistance to fungal diseases.
Drought resistance.
Drag
One of the basic patterns (rudiments) of drumming, consisting of a stroke preceded by two grace notes usually played with the other stick.
Resistance
Lack of normal response to a biologically active compound such as a hormone
Insulin resistance.
Drag
Short for drag race
Resistance
(Electricity) The opposition of a body or substance to current passing through it, resulting in a change of electrical energy into heat or another form of energy.
Drag
A private vehicle like a stagecoach, drawn by four horses.
Resistance
Thermal resistance.
Drag
To pull along with difficulty or effort; haul
Dragged the heavy box out of the way.
Resistance
The act of resisting, or the capacity to resist.
Widespread resistance to the new urban development plans
The resistance of bacteria to certain antibiotics
Drag
To cause to trail along a surface, especially the ground
Don't drag your coat in the mud.
Resistance
(physics) A force that tends to oppose motion.
Drag
To move (a pointing device, such as a mouse) while pressing down on one of its buttons.
Resistance
(physics) electrical resistance.
Drag
To move (an element of a graphical display) on a computer screen using a pointing device.
Resistance
An underground organisation engaged in a struggle for liberation from forceful occupation; a resistance movement.
Drag
To cause to move with great effort
Dragged himself into the doctor's office.
Resistance
The act of resisting; opposition, passive or active.
When King Demetrius saw that . . . no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces.
Drag
To take or escort (a person, for example), especially in overcoming resistance or reluctance
Dragged my father to the reception.
Resistance
The quality of not yielding to force or external pressure; that power of a body which acts in opposition to the impulse or pressure of another, or which prevents the effect of another power; as, the resistance of the air to a body passing through it; the resistance of a target to projectiles.
Drag
To cause to be involved in an unpleasant or difficult situation
Why did you drag me into this mess?.
Resistance
A means or method of resisting; that which resists.
Unfold to us some warlike resistance.
Drag
To force or bring out with great effort
Dragged the truth out of the reluctant witness.
Resistance
A certain hindrance or opposition to the passage of an electrical current or discharge offered by conducting bodies. It bears an inverse relation to the conductivity, - good conductors having a small resistance, while poor conductors or insulators have a very high resistance. The unit of resistance is the ohm.
Drag
To mention or introduce (an unpleasant or tedious subject)
Dragged up that embarrassing incident.
Is always dragging his money problems into the conversation.
Resistance
The action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with;
He encountered a general feeling of resistance from many citizens
Despite opposition from the newspapers he went ahead
Drag
To search or sweep the bottom of (a body of water), as with a grappling hook or dragnet
Dragged the river looking for the suitcase.
Resistance
Any mechanical force that tends to retard or oppose motion
Drag
To bring up or catch by such means.
Resistance
A material's opposition to the flow of electric current; measured in ohms
Drag
To prolong tediously
Dragged the story out.
Resistance
The military action of resisting the enemy's advance;
The enemy offered little resistance
Drag
(Baseball) To hit (a bunt) while taking the first steps toward first base.
Resistance
(medicine) the condition in which an organism can resist disease
Drag
To break up, rake, or smooth out (land or dirt), especially by pulling a drag or heavy mesh
Dragged the infield between innings.
Resistance
A secret group organized to overthrow a government or occupation force
Drag
(Informal) To humiliate or shame publicly, especially on social media
“Unknown Actor Gets Dragged by Twitter for Being the World's Worst Date” (Allure).
Resistance
The degree of unresponsiveness of a disease-causing microorganism to antibiotics or other drugs (as in penicillin-resistant bacteria)
Drag
To trail along the ground
The dog's leash dragged on the sidewalk.
Resistance
(psychiatry) an unwillingness to bring repressed feelings into conscious awareness
Drag
To move slowly or with effort
He dragged along behind us.
Resistance
An electrical device that resists the flow of electrical current
Drag
To pass or proceed slowly, tediously, or laboriously
The time dragged as we waited.
Resistance
Group action in opposition to those in power
Drag
To search or dredge the bottom of a body of water
Dragging for the sunken craft.
Drag
To take part in a drag race.
Drag
To draw on a cigarette, pipe, or cigar.
Drag
Something, such as a harrow or an implement for spreading manure, that is dragged along the ground.
Drag
A device, such as a grappling hook, that is used for dragging under water.
Drag
A heavy sledge or cart for hauling loads.
Drag
A large four-horse coach with seats inside and on top.
Drag
Something, such as a sea anchor or a brake on a fishing reel, that retards motion.
Drag
One that impedes or slows progress; a drawback or burden
The drag of taxation on economic growth.
Drag
The degree of resistance involved in dragging or hauling.
Drag
The retarding force exerted on a moving body by a fluid medium such as air or water.
Drag
The act of dragging, especially a slow, laborious movement.
Drag
The scent or trail of a fox or another animal.
Drag
Something that provides an artificial scent.
Drag
(Slang) One that is obnoxiously tiresome
The evening was a real drag.
Drag
A puff on a cigarette, pipe, or cigar.
Drag
(Slang) A street or road
The town's main drag.
Drag
Of a fluid to something moving through it.
When designing cars, manufacturers have to take drag into consideration.
Drag
(by analogy with above) Any force acting in opposition to the motion of an object.
A high thrust-to-weight ratio helps a rocket to overcome the effects of gravity drag.
Drag
The bottom part of a sand casting mold.
Drag
(countable) A device dragged along the bottom of a body of water in search of something, e.g. a dead body, or in fishing.
Drag
A systematic search for someone over a wide area, especially by the authorities; a dragnet.
Drag
A double drum-stroke played at twice the speed of the context in which it is placed.
Drag
A puff on a cigarette or joint.
He got high after just one drag of the joint.
Give me a drag on that roach!
Drag
Someone or something that is annoying or frustrating, or disappointing; an obstacle to progress or enjoyment.
Travelling to work in the rush hour is a real drag.
Drag
A long open horse-drawn carriage with transverse or side seats.
Drag
Street, as in 'main drag'.
Drag
(countable) The scent-path left by dragging a fox, or some other substance such as aniseed, for training hounds to follow scents.
To run a drag
Drag
A large amount of backspin on the cue ball, causing the cue ball to slow down.
Drag
A heavy harrow for breaking up ground.
Drag
A kind of sledge for conveying heavy objects; also, a kind of low car or handcart.
A stone drag
Drag
(metallurgy) The bottom part of a flask or mould, the upper part being the cope.
Drag
(masonry) A steel instrument for completing the dressing of soft stone.
Drag
(nautical) The difference between the speed of a screw steamer under sail and that of the screw when the ship outruns the screw; or between the propulsive effects of the different floats of a paddle wheel.
Drag
Anything towed in the water to retard a ship's progress, or to keep her head up to the wind; especially, a canvas bag with a hooped mouth (drag sail), so used.
Drag
A pulled load.
Drag
A skid or shoe for retarding the motion of a carriage wheel.
Drag
Motion affected with slowness and difficulty, as if clogged.
Drag
Witch house music.
Drag
The last position in a line of hikers.
Drag
(billiards) A push somewhat under the centre of the cue ball, causing it to follow the object ball a short way.
Drag
A device for guiding wood to the saw.
Drag
(historical) A mailcoach.
Drag
(slang) A prison sentence of three months.
Drag
Women's clothing worn by men for the purpose of entertainment.
He performed in drag.
Drag
Men's clothing worn by women for the purpose of entertainment.
Drag
A men's party attended in women's clothing.
Drag
Any type of clothing or costume associated with a particular occupation or subculture.
Corporate drag
Drag
(transitive) To pull along a surface or through a medium, sometimes with difficulty.
Let's drag this load of wood over to the shed.
The misbehaving child was dragged out of the classroom.
Drag
To move onward heavily, laboriously, or slowly; to advance with weary effort; to go on lingeringly.
Time seems to drag when you're waiting for a bus.
Drag
To act or proceed slowly or without enthusiasm; to be reluctant.
Drag
To draw along (something burdensome); hence, to pass in pain or with difficulty.
Drag
To serve as a clog or hindrance; to hold back.
Drag
(graphical user interface) To operate a pointing device by moving it with a button held down; to move, copy, etc. (an item) in this way.
Drag the file into the window to open it.
Drag
(chiefly of a vehicle) To unintentionally rub or scrape on a surface.
The car was so low to the ground that its muffler was dragging on a speed bump.
Drag
(soccer) To hit or kick off target.
Drag
To fish with a dragnet.
Drag
To search for something, as a lost object or body, by dragging something along the bottom of a body of water.
Drag
To break (land) by drawing a drag or harrow over it; to harrow.
Drag
(figurative) To search exhaustively, as if with a dragnet.
Drag
(slang) To roast, say negative things about, or call attention to the flaws of (someone).
You just drag him 'cause he's got more money than you.
Drag
To play at a slower tempo than one is supposed to or than the other musicians one is playing with, or to inadvertently gradually decrease tempo while one is playing.
Drag
To perform as a drag queen or drag king.
Drag
A confection; a comfit; a drug.
Drag
The act of dragging; anything which is dragged.
Drag
A net, or an apparatus, to be drawn along the bottom under water, as in fishing, searching for drowned persons, etc.
Drag
A kind of sledge for conveying heavy bodies; also, a kind of low car or handcart; as, a stone drag.
Drag
A heavy coach with seats on top; also, a heavy carriage.
Drag
A heavy harrow, for breaking up ground.
Drag
Anything towed in the water to retard a ship's progress, or to keep her head up to the wind; esp., a canvas bag with a hooped mouth, so used. See Drag sail (below).
My lectures were only a pleasure to me, and no drag.
Drag
Motion affected with slowness and difficulty, as if clogged.
Drag
The bottom part of a flask or mold, the upper part being the cope.
Drag
A steel instrument for completing the dressing of soft stone.
Drag
To draw slowly or heavily onward; to pull along the ground by main force; to haul; to trail; - applied to drawing heavy or resisting bodies or those inapt for drawing, with labor, along the ground or other surface; as, to drag stone or timber; to drag a net in fishing.
Dragged by the cords which through his feet were thrust.
The grossness of his nature will have weight to drag thee down.
A needless Alexandrine ends the songThat, like a wounded snake, drags its slow length along.
Drag
To break, as land, by drawing a drag or harrow over it; to harrow; to draw a drag along the bottom of, as a stream or other water; hence, to search, as by means of a drag.
Then while I dragged my brains for such a song.
Drag
To draw along, as something burdensome; hence, to pass in pain or with difficulty.
Have dragged a lingering life.
Drag
To be drawn along, as a rope or dress, on the ground; to trail; to be moved onward along the ground, or along the bottom of the sea, as an anchor that does not hold.
Drag
To move onward heavily, laboriously, or slowly; to advance with weary effort; to go on lingeringly.
The day drags through, though storms keep out the sun.
Long, open panegyric drags at best.
Drag
To serve as a clog or hindrance; to hold back.
A propeller is said to drag when the sails urge the vessel faster than the revolutions of the screw can propel her.
Drag
To fish with a dragnet.
Drag
The phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid
Drag
Something that slows or delays progress;
Taxation is a drag on the economy
Too many laws are a drag on the use of new land
Drag
Something tedious and boring;
Peeling potatoes is a drag
Drag
A slow inhalation (as of tobacco smoke);
He took a puff on his pipe
He took a drag on his cigarette and expelled the smoke slowly
Drag
The act of dragging (pulling with force);
The drag up the hill exhausted him
Drag
Pull, as against a resistance;
He dragged the big suitcase behind him
These worries were dragging at him
Drag
Draw slowly or heavily;
Haul stones
Haul nets
Drag
Force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action;
They were swept up by the events
Don't drag me into this business
Drag
Move slowly and as if with great effort
Drag
To lag or linger behind;
But in so many other areas we still are dragging
Drag
Suck in or take (air);
Draw a deep breath
Draw on a cigarette
Drag
Use a computer mouse to move icons on the screen and select commands from a menu;
Drag this icon to the lower right hand corner of the screen
Drag
Walk without lifting the feet
Drag
Search (as the bottom of a body of water) for something valuable or lost
Drag
Persuade to come away from something attractive or interesting;
He dragged me away from the television set
Drag
Proceed for an extended period of time;
The speech dragged on for two hours
Common Curiosities
What is drag?
Drag is a force that opposes an object's movement through a fluid, like air or water.
What factors affect drag?
Factors include the fluid's density, the object's speed, shape, and surface area.
How is drag measured?
Drag is quantified using the drag coefficient, a dimensionless number indicating the drag force relative to fluid density and velocity.
What is mechanical resistance?
Mechanical resistance involves forces like friction that oppose the motion of objects through solid mediums.
Can drag be reduced?
Yes, by designing objects with streamlined shapes and smooth surfaces to minimize fluid resistance.
How do aerodynamic designs reduce drag?
By optimizing shape and surface characteristics to allow smoother flow of air around the object, reducing drag.
What is resistance?
Resistance refers to any force that opposes motion or flow, including electrical, mechanical, and thermal forms.
How is electrical resistance measured?
Electrical resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).
What factors influence electrical resistance?
Material composition, temperature, and dimensions influence electrical resistance.
Is drag a form of resistance?
Yes, drag is a specific type of resistance encountered by objects moving through fluids.
How can resistance be useful?
In electrical circuits, resistance is used to control current flow, and in mechanical systems, it can indicate material durability.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Presumably vs. Presumptively
Next Comparison
Belittle vs. DegradeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
